Nov 17,2024
And so Katie Taylor remains the undisputed world super-lightweight champion after a bruising, if somewhat controversial victory over Amanda Serrano in their rematch in Texas.
In the end, the judges scored it 95-94 in favour of the Bray woman.
Afterwards Serrano and her trainer accused Taylor of deliberately leading with her head to inflict the bad cut that hampered the challenger in the closing rounds.
We also had the sight of organisers, that is Most Valuable Promotions, Jake Paul's company, trying to prevent Taylor's promoter Eddie Hearn from sitting alongside her at the post-fight press conference.
We can, more than likely, now look forward to Taylor-Serrano III.
As for being labelled a "dirty fighter" by the Serrano camp, Taylor hit back in her press conference, stating that the clash of heads " "just happens sometimes when you are fighting against a southpaw, the fighters went close and it just happens".
"It was completely accidental. They were calling me a dirty fighter. That wasn't purposely done.
"I'm in there fighting like she is and it's a rough sport and sometimes you get head clashes so you have to fight through those things. This is the fight game."
Nakisa Bisharian, business partner and adviser to Jake Paul, outlined the thoughts of Serrano, when speaking at a subsequent press conference.
"She felt the ref didn't protect her," he said.
"The ref didn't put her in a position to win and they should have taken more than one point away for what that woman was doing in the ring tonight."
Others too in the fight game had their opinions.
Former light welterwight and welterweight world champion Terence Crawford, felt it was "close fight" but that Taylor "won them last rounds".
That was a close fight! Taylor won them last rounds.
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) November 16, 2024
Shakur Stevenson questioned the view that It was "robbery", adding that "I think Taylor won tho".
Shawn Porter was quite pointed, when he said: "Serrano deserved that..."
World heavyweight champion Claressa Shields added:
I'm gutted for Serrano… I don’t think she won the fight…. I’m gutted cause on this big stage you want to win!!!!! I know she really wanted it, fought thru a head butt caused cut! Stalked her prey, landed big shots!!!!! womens boxing won tonight
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) November 16, 2024
Skip Bayless, American journalist and commentator, while praising Taylor's grit, claimed her opponent was a clear winner.
Katie Taylor showed legendary grit and toughness. BUT AMANDA SERRANO CLEARLY WON THAT FIGHT, DESPITE TWO HEADBUTTS, ONE ACCIDENTAL AND ONE NOT.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) November 16, 2024
What about the international media?
ESPN: Katie Taylor edges out Amanda Serrano in controversial decision
"Friday's rematch was one of the most highly anticipated fights in the history of women's boxing. Just like their first encounter, two of the best pound-for-pound women in boxing delivered a battle that thrilled the crowd.
"And just like their initial meeting, the result ended in controversy. Though most of the crowd -- and the stats -- seemed to favour Serrano, all three judges scored it 95-94 in favor of Taylor.
"After spending time as the unified women's featherweight champion, Serrano (47-3-1, 31 KOs) moved up to lightweight to challenge Taylor (24-1, 6 KOs). Despite moving up in weight, Serrano looked stronger and was more active in the rematch.
"Serrano started off strong, imposing her will and clubbing Taylor with combinations and body punches. Taylor, 38, struggled to fend off Serrano's charge and found herself fighting off her backfoot in the early rounds. The Irishwoman steadied herself in Round 3 and attempted to hold her ground whenever Serrano advanced. This resulted in the two woman routinely clashing heads, opening a terrible cut above Serrano's eye that only got worse as the rounds wore on. With Taylor initiating the clinches, she was deducted a point in Round 8.
"Taylor battled her way back into the fight with a frantically paced set of middle rounds, with both refusing to give up ground as the crowd roared in approval. But Serrano was the busier fighter, outpacing Taylor by a wide margin. Serrano landed 324 of 734 punches, while Taylor landed 217 of 529. The judges didn't reward Serrano for her activity.
"With the series now in favour of Taylor at 2-0, the controversial nature of both wins may still justify a third fight."
The Guardian: Katie Taylor retains titles with controversial win over Amanda Serrano
"The 95-94 victory on all three scorecards was not without controversy as Serrano was cut terribly over the right eye by an accidental headbutt in the sixth. Taylor was warned twice for excessive use of her head and she had a point deducted in the eighth round.
"The typically brave, fiery and determined Serrano would have been a worthy winner but Taylor showed incredible reserves of will and skill to finally prevail.
"The scorecards were read out amid excruciating tension – and a draw was the least that both these exemplary fighters deserved.
"Serrano had won world titles in seven different weight categories – which is both a staggering achievement and an indictment of women's boxing where the talent pool of elite female fighters is so small. She moved up in weight again to challenge Taylor – who has done more for women’s boxing than anyone else in the sport.
"They are both remarkable but the decision went to Taylor whose longevity and unquenched yearning to keep boxing rolls on – and is matched only by Serrano, her astonishing dance partner. Taylor and Serrano are both giants of the ring – and they will surely complete their riveting trilogy next year."
Puerto Rico's El Vocero newspaper assessment of the ninth round captured the mood inside the arena at that point
"Taylor is booed by the crowd at AT&T Stadium at the start of this round. Serrano continues to be more consistent with his punch, especially with his upper and jab. Taylor's fight is summed up in fleeing across the flooring and bowing her head."
BBC journalist Kal Sajad referenced another masterpiece
"Often the sequel is never as good, and while the standard of the first fight would have taken some beating, Taylor and Serrano delivered another masterpiece.
"Two years on from their first fight in New York, they earn career-high seven figure paydays and remain two of the most recognisable and biggest draws in female boxing.
"The close nature of a second fight and the controversy over the result sets up the trilogy bout nicely, as Taylor welcomed three-minute rounds for a third fight.
"In a fight week dominated by the controversial main event, with Paul's foul language and Tyson slapping his opponent, Taylor and Serrano conducted themselves professionally and showcased the best side of the sport.
"The hope is, though, that having entertained fans with 20 sensational rounds and a rematch being broadcasted to millions globally on Netflix, the Serrano-Taylor rivalry can inspire a generation of boxers and fans."
